Thank You Veterans!

Today is a day to honor and remember the veterans of our country. I'm so grateful for their service and sacrifice on my behalf and for this whole nation. I hope other countries are grateful too for the service they have provided on their behalf. My dad was a WWII veteran. Although he didn't speak about it much, I know he had 4 1/2 years that took him away from his beloved family farm. This was a time of extreme danger and difficult conflicts in the Pacific arena. I'm fortunate to have copies of letters he wrote home during this time. He was always concerned about his family at home and his other brothers also serving in the military. Perhaps that is the responsibility of being the oldest son! From my dad I learned to respect the American flag and what it represents. To this day, I get choked up when saying the Pledge of Allegiance, or see the colors presented.

I couldn't make this posting without also saying how grateful I am for my son. His service was a nail biter for me, but thankfully he has returned home safe and sound. He is one of the very fortunate. I wasn't happy when he enlisted in the Marines, but he is a man of self-determination. He chose to serve his country and I'm very proud of him for that. I also look at his wife, Nicole, as a veteran. She kept the home fires burning while Travis was off in the big sandbox. Her service was also commendable and gracious. So thank you to all the service men and women, and their families, who have given of themselves to benefit us all!

Blessings from Heaven

What a blessing... I just held our newest granddaughter in my arms!!!! Jenna Noel Thomas was born at 2:18pm this afternoon and mother and baby are doing great. Jenna weighed in at 10 pounds 3 ounces and measured 22 inches long; no wonder Shawna had trouble sleeping this last month! She is a doll (much like her grandma), and has dark thick hair (unlike her grandma)! Her brothers and sister took several turns holding her at the hospital tonight. They will be her eternal older guardians as she makes her way through this life. What a thrill to have this newest addition in our lives and feel such happiness from her arrival already. Auntie Tawnya missed her by one day, but I promise to put a picture of her in Jenna's crib until December when Tawnya can meet and greet her in person!!
Welcome Jenna - WE LOVE YOU!

Election/Wallet Woes

My friend Sarah is headed back to Alaska, all her "expensive" clothes have been donated to the needy, and I'm still numb about the election results. Although this election was "history in the making", I'm not pleased with this page of history that is being written. Yeah, I've heard it is now time for all U.S. citizens to unite... but frankly, I think that's a crock! When have all our opinions been united?! We thrive on diversity and difference of opinion. I will continue to speak with a conservative voice and oppose government regulation and controls. I have a wallet, but no control over the spending of any funds within it. My only hope, as a member of the middle class, is for all my money to be redistributed. Then, as a member of the poor class, I will have access to the redistributed wealth! Working as an election judge in East Bethel Precinct 1, it was very satisfying to see the results of the voters in our area overwhelmingly support the republican candidates. So all I can say is that I'm surrounded with a majority of politically like-minded neighbors. That brings a smile to my face!!